Finding Your Fit - Crispi's Flex Rating System

Crispi has been a dominant player in boots and footwear for the hunting market for quite a few years now. One of the biggest appeals of the Crispi lineup is the variety of boot builds to accommodate individual wearer preferences and also be compatible with the anticipated use in different terrain types. Crispi accomplishes this through its “Flex Rating System.” This was the brainchild of Crispi USA’s Mark Strickland and other Crispi employees to provide an industry-unique level of information for consumers.

Most boot wearers and purchasers have developed a preference, often through purchase trial and error, for a level of stiffness they like in a boot. For some, a stiffer boot with a mountaineering-type platform is just fine because they can comfortably wear that type of boot in any terrain. Then, there are folks like me. I prefer a more flexible boot, as a stiffer boot tends to give me heel blisters and toe pain because of my high arch, narrow foot, and very prominent heel bone. Every foot is different and unique to that individual, so having a variety of flex ratings and builds in different models allows customers great choices to pick the right boot for themselves.

In a recent discussion with Federico Marcolin, Crispi’s president in Italy, the concept of “Dynamic Construction” was explained in an effort to educate boot purchasers on what exactly is going into the different boots they are considering. Three pillars make up this Dynamic Construction: The Dynamic Frame establishes the base of the flex rating. The upper is constructed of the materials chosen for anticipated use and also contributes to comfort and stiffness. Lastly, the midsole and outsole also work to establish the flex rating.

These three components work together to tailor that boot to its expected use and establish the flex rating that the consumer references when selecting their boot. This purpose-built support is to allow a boot to be built that will absorb some of the stress and pressure of navigating terrain and avoid unnecessary transfer to the wearer.

The materials that make up a Crispi Boots upper are a blend of leather and synthetic construction materials which work together to provide the optimal combination of durability, comfort, and protection. Various combinations offer a different feel to the wearer and can increase or maintain the flex rating established by the dynamic frame. Leather is used extensively because of its unique ability to conform to the wearer's anatomy without breaking down. Leather boots aren't just made to “break-in” but should also actively shape themselves to the wearer’s foot over time and use.

Conversely, synthetic materials in the boot provide a static nature to retain the shape and construction of the boot over time as the leather breaks in and conforms to the wearer. This blend of construction material in a boot is essential to provide comfort and durability, as well as confidence that the boot will hold up to use in sometimes unforgiving terrain.

Lastly, the midsole and outsole are selected from a lineup of options in order to complement the construction and intended use. A one-size-fits-all approach is definitely not what it takes to create a boot with the level of sophistication and variety available to the wearer. Again, materials can add to or complement the flex rating and are chosen appropriately.  

When evaluating the Crispi boot lineup, the consumer is presented with options that are geared towards anticipated use and also wearer preference. Most notable is the Flex Rating System introduced above and on Crispi’s webpage. Each boot is given a flex rating number. This system is a numerical 1 through 5, with 1 being the most flexible in the lineup and 5 being a stiff flex for extreme terrain and altitude.

Every Crispi boot is engineered and developed with intention and careful consideration. While it might not make sense from a profit standpoint to have so many choices, the company is showing that they place the customer and boot wearer in high regard by providing such a wide range. The Dynamic Frame construction is the basis for the Flex Rating System and why Crispi is on the leaderboard for outfitting hunters and outdoorsmen and women with the highest level of boot for the job.

A boot that is safe, comfortable, and durable is one of the most important investments a hunter will ever make. Great boots aren’t cheap, and that is for a reason. Do your research and try different Crispi boots for yourself. When you find that perfect boot, buy a second pair and arm yourself with confidence, knowing you won't have to worry about your feet and the very foundation they work off of.